Doctor of Business Administration
Our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and flexibility to grow without interrupting your current plans
#1 You want to earn a globally recognised European Doctorate while continuing your full-time work and family commitments.
#2 You need a flexible, part-time format with live online classes and self-study access, so you can learn anywhere, anytime.
#3 You're ready to enhance your opportunities with strategic thinking, research-based knowledge, and leadership credibility.
This degree is offered either directly as an IBAS qualification or students can choose to add on top-ups or 2-in-1 degree in collaboration with several partner institutions, enabling students to select the pathway that best aligns with their individual needs and aspirations.
Enquire About the DBA
Our advisors will get back to you within 1 business day.
Your details are kept private. No spam, ever.
Programme Details
Academic Qualification
A Master's degree (or equivalent qualification).
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at a
minimum of CEFR Level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
The CEFR is the standard European framework used to assess language ability across listening, reading, writing, and speaking. A B2 level indicates upper-intermediate proficiency, meaning the applicant can understand complex texts, participate fluently in professional discussions, and produce clear, structured written communication suitable for academic study.
Equivalent English test scores (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or comparable) may be accepted as evidence of B2-level proficiency.
To qualify for graduation, students must:
- Successfully complete and pass all required business modules
- Successfully complete and defend the research dissertation
The IBAS Flexi-Learn DBA is structured around 10 taught modules followed by a supervised research dissertation.
Each module runs for 8 weeks and is offered on a rolling basis throughout the year. This structure allows you to begin or rejoin the programme at multiple points, depending on your schedule.
Learning is delivered through a fully integrated online platform combining live synchronous sessions with structured asynchronous study. This provides both real-time academic engagement and the flexibility to progress independently.
If professional or personal commitments require a pause, you may temporarily step out and resume your studies when the module cycle repeats. The model is designed to accommodate professional realities while maintaining academic continuity.
Students will study selected modules specialized in business administration during the first year. They will finish each module within a period of 4 to 8 weeks. They will then move to do Research and Dissertation phase which can take 1 to 2 years.
Business Modules
- Research Philosophy
- Managerial Economics
- Research Methodology
- Advanced Statistics
- Multivariate Analysis
- Strategic Marketing
- International Business
- Advanced Accounting and Finance
- Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Management
Research & Dissertation Phase
- Identifying and Defining Research Problem
- Review of Literature
- Preparing a Research Proposal
- Research Design and Planning
- Pilot Study and Refining Research Design
- Data Collection and Processing
- Data Analysis
- Interpretations and Writing Draft Chapters
- Writing and Completion of Dissertation
Scholarships Available
Partial scholarships available for eligible applicants enquire today.
Lifelong Learning With IBAS
The Flexi-Learn DBA at IBAS combines the rigour of European academics with the real-world expertise of seasoned global professionals. Our faculty are international experts who bring decades of industry and academic experience into the classroom.
This program is designed to develop forward-thinking leaders who are not only equipped to conduct meaningful, applied research, but who also bring confidence, independence, and strategic insight to complex business challenges.
Graduates of the IBAS DBA are motivated, globally minded professionalsready to lead, innovate, and thrive in the competitive international business environment.
Why Choose the IBAS DBA?
Study within a globally focused doctoral environment with diverse professional insights.
Address real business challenges through practical doctoral-level research.
Strengthen leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
What Makes this DBA Different?
Expert Faculty
Learn from internationally qualified lecturers with deep academic and industry experience, bringing both theory and real-world relevance into every module.
Applied Research Development
Build your research skills through structured guidance in methodology, analysis, and dissertation designequipping you to conduct impactful, independent research.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Strengthen your ability to analyse complex challenges, develop evidence-based insights, and lead strategic decision-making in global business environments.
Practical Learning Approach
Our DBA goes beyond theorycombining academic depth with real-world application so you graduate with both knowledge and credibility.
Career Opportunities with a DBA
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is designed for experienced
professionals seeking to strengthen their authority, expand their influence, and operate at a
higher strategic level.
A DBA enhances positioning at senior and executive levels by
demonstrating advanced analytical capability, research-driven decision-making, and leadership
depth.
DBA graduates often strengthen their trajectory toward roles such as:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Managing Director
- Senior Vice President
- Regional Director
For business owners and founders, a DBA strengthens:
- Strategic clarity
- Organisational decision-making
- Professional credibility
- Industry authority
In many regions, doctoral qualifications enhance eligibility for:
- Board Membership
- Advisory Board Roles
- Governance & Oversight Positions
The DBA reinforces professional standing and signals advanced leadership maturity.
ACBSP-Accredited Programme
IBAS has achieved ACBSP accreditation for its MBA and DBA programs. The Accreditation
Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is recognized by the Council for
Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the United States and is the first global body to
accredit business education at every level, from associate to doctoral.
View IBAS Accreditations & Memberships →
Accredited
Business
School Register
Notice
Institutional Status
IBAS is a private institution and does not hold recognition under the
Swiss Higher Education Act (HEdA). As such, it is not accredited by the Swiss federal government or
any cantonal authority. For more information about Swiss accreditation standards, visit AAQ.
Program-Specific Accreditation
IBAS has achieved ACBSP accreditation for its MBA and DBA
programs. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is recognized by the
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the United States.
Ongoing Accreditation Efforts
IBAS is actively pursuing Swiss University of Applied
Sciences accreditation. However, it is important to note that current or existing programs are not
guaranteed to be included under any future accreditation, and such a recognition/accreditation is
not guaranteed to be obtained.
To support students seeking a state-recognized qualification, IBAS has established partnerships with recognized institutions, including ATHE (Awards for Training and Higher Education) in the UK. Through this collaboration, IBAS has aligned its curriculum to allow students to earn dual certification via ATHE. More details about ATHE are available at ATHE.
For information on UK progression routes, please visit ATHE Progression Routes.
Additionally, IBAS offers dual-degree programs through partnerships with Malaysian institutions, which provide recognized qualifications under the Malaysian Higher Education System. These partner institutions include:
- Asia e University (AeU)
- Genovasi University College
NOTICE: NOT ALL SPECIALISATIONS ARE SUPPORTED AS DUAL OR 2-IN-1 OPTIONS. PLEASE INQUIRE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Croatian Partnership – VERN' University
VERN' University is officially recognized by
Croatia's Agency for Science and Higher Education (ASHE), ensuring compliance with national quality
standards. However, please note that the MBA and DBA programs offered through this partnership are
not accredited as programs and are not recognized under the Croatian educational system.
Important Notice
Students seeking an academic qualification that is recognized and
regulated by a government authority are strongly encouraged to consider our dual-degree programs for
BBA, MBA, and DBA. These programs are available through partnerships with Malaysian universities or
via ATHE in the UK, followed by top-up options to complete their qualifications.